15 Easy Toilet Paper Roll Crafts for Kids

toilet paper roll crafts for kids

Seeking a fun way to keep kids engaged while encouraging learning? Toilet paper roll crafts for kids are the perfect answer.

These projects are simple, budget-friendly, and full of creativity. With just a few supplies at home, kids can turn empty rolls into playful art.

From animals to holiday decorations, each activity sparks imagination while teaching basic crafting skills. They’re fun, hands-on, and great for any age.

In this blog, you’ll find step-by-step toilet paper tube crafts that are easy, educational, and perfect for family time-ones I’ve enjoyed making and sharing myself.

Why Kids Love Toilet Paper Roll Crafts

Toilet paper roll crafts for kids are more than just a fun way to pass the time; they’re also a great way to engage with your child. They turn something simple into meaningful projects that kids enjoy.

They help families reuse recycled materials in innovative and creative ways. What might have been trash becomes a colorful craft or playful toy.

These projects also teach basic crafting skills, such as cutting, gluing, and painting. Kids learn to follow steps while building confidence in their abilities.

Crafting encourages children to use their imagination through play. A plain tube can become a butterfly, dragon, or even a fairy house.

Best of all, toilet paper tube crafts keep costs low. You only need simple supplies you already have at home, making them budget-friendly and accessible.

Fun Toilet Paper Roll Crafts for Kids

Below is a list of easy toilet paper roll crafts for kids with simple steps to follow.

1. Honeycomb Craft

honeycomb craft

Supplies: Toilet paper rolls, yellow paint, glue, scissors

Steps:

  1. Paint the toilet paper rolls yellow and let them dry fully.
  2. Cut each roll into even rings, about one inch wide.
  3. Arrange the rings close together in a honeycomb pattern.
  4. Glue them in place and let the whole piece dry before displaying.

2. Bird Feeder

bird feeder

Supplies: Toilet paper roll, peanut butter, birdseed, string

Steps:

  1. Spread a layer of peanut butter all around the toilet paper roll.
  2. Roll it in birdseed until it is fully covered.
  3. Thread a piece of string through the roll for hanging.
  4. Hang it outside and watch as birds come to enjoy their treat.

3. Rainbow Windsock

rainbow windsock

Supplies: Toilet paper roll, paint, glue, ribbon or tissue paper, string

Steps:

  1. Paint the toilet paper roll in bright rainbow colors and let it dry.
  2. Cut strips of ribbon or tissue paper and glue them around the bottom edge.
  3. Punch two small holes at the top and tie a piece of string to them.
  4. Hang the windsock near a window or outside and watch it flutter in the breeze.

4. Butterfly Craft

butterfly craft pic

Supplies: Toilet paper roll, colored paper, glue, markers, pipe cleaners

Steps:

  1. Wrap the toilet paper roll in colored paper to cover it.
  2. Cut out large paper wings and decorate them with markers or crayons.
  3. Glue the wings to the back of the roll.
  4. Twist pipe cleaners into antennae and attach them on top to finish your butterfly.

5. Fire-Breathing Dragon

fire breathing dragon

Supplies: Toilet paper roll, green paint, googly eyes, red and orange tissue paper, glue

Steps:

  1. Paint the toilet paper roll green and let it dry completely.
  2. Glue googly eyes near the top to make the dragon’s face.
  3. Cut strips of red and orange tissue paper and glue them to the inside of one end.
  4. Blow through the open end and watch the “flames” move like real fire.

6. Pom-Pom Cannon

pom pom cannon

Supplies: Toilet paper roll, balloon, tape, pom-poms

Steps:

  1. Cut the end off a balloon and tie the mouthpiece.
  2. Stretch the balloon over one end of the toilet paper roll.
  3. Use tape to hold the balloon firmly in place.
  4. Place a pom-pom inside, pull back the balloon, and release to launch.

7. Octopus Craft

octopus craft

Supplies: Toilet paper roll, paint, scissors, googly eyes

Steps:

  1. Paint the roll any ocean color, such as blue or purple, and let it dry.
  2. Cut slits around the bottom to make eight tentacles.
  3. Curl each tentacle outward with scissors or your fingers.
  4. Add googly eyes at the top to complete your octopus.

8. Bee Craft

bee craft

Supplies: Toilet paper roll, yellow and black paint, paper wings, glue, and googly eyes

Steps:

  1. Paint the toilet paper roll yellow and let it dry.
  2. Add black stripes with paint or markers to make it look like a bee.
  3. Cut out two wings from white paper and glue them on the back.
  4. Glue on googly eyes and draw a happy smile.

9. Binoculars

binocular craft

Supplies: Two toilet paper rolls, tape, string, markers

Steps:

  1. Place two toilet paper rolls side by side and tape them together.
  2. Punch a hole in the outside of each roll.
  3. Tie a piece of string through the holes to make a strap.
  4. Decorate with markers, stickers, or paint, then use them for pretend play.

10. Ghost Decoration

ghost decoration

Supplies: Toilet paper roll, white paint, black marker, scissors

Steps:

  1. Paint the roll completely white and let it dry.
  2. Cut fringes along the bottom to make a ghost-like shape.
  3. Use a black marker to draw spooky eyes and a mouth.
  4. Hang it up as a fun Halloween decoration.

11. Christmas Tree Decoration

christmas tree decoration

Supplies: Toilet paper roll, green paint, paper star, glue, markers

Steps:

  1. Paint the roll green and allow it to dry.
  2. Decorate it with colorful dots, paper ornaments, or marker drawings.
  3. Cut out a paper star and glue it to the top.
  4. Place it on a table or shelf as a festive decoration.

12. Zoo Animals

zoo animals

Supplies: Toilet paper rolls, paint, paper scraps, glue, markers

Steps:

  1. Paint the rolls to match your chosen animal, like brown for a lion or gray for an elephant.
  2. Cut out ears, tails, or manes from paper and glue them onto the model.
  3. Use markers to add details, such as spots, stripes, or whiskers.
  4. Create a whole zoo with lions, giraffes, elephants, and more.

13. Fairy House

fairy house

Supplies: Toilet paper roll, paint, scissors, paper cone roof, glue

Steps:

  1. Cut out a small door and windows in the toilet paper roll.
  2. Paint the roll in bright, cheerful colors and let it dry.
  3. Create a cone-shaped roof from paper and glue it onto the top.
  4. Add decorative elements like flowers, glitter, or small paper details.

14. Caterpillar Craft

caterpillar craft

Supplies: Toilet paper rolls, paint, glue, pipe cleaners, and googly eyes

Steps:

  1. Cut toilet paper rolls into smaller pieces for the body sections.
  2. Paint each piece in bright, fun colors and let them dry.
  3. Glue the pieces together in a line to form a caterpillar.
  4. Add googly eyes and pipe cleaner antennae to finish it.

15. Crayon Holder

crayon holder

Supplies: Toilet paper roll, paint, glue, cardboard base

Steps:

  1. Paint the roll in your favorite color and let it dry.
  2. Glue the roll upright onto a small cardboard base.
  3. Allow it to dry completely so it remains sturdy.
  4. Fill it with crayons, pencils, or markers for easy storage.

Tips for Crafting with Kids

Making toilet paper roll crafts should always be safe, enjoyable, and stress-free. A few simple steps can help both children and parents have a better crafting experience.

  • Always use child-safe scissors and non-toxic glue so little hands can work without risk. Safety comes first, especially with younger children.
  • Cover tables with paper, plastic, or an old cloth to protect surfaces from paint, glue, and glitter. Cleanup will be much faster afterward.
  • Give kids the freedom to choose their own colors and decorations. This sparks creativity and helps them feel proud of their finished craft.
  • Keep supplies organized in small containers or trays for easy access. Having everything within reach makes the project smoother and avoids frustration.
  • Most importantly, be patient and let kids work at their own pace. The joy is not just in the finished craft, but in the process of making it.

Conclusion

Toilet paper roll crafts for kids are simple, fun, and a smart way to reuse everyday items. These activities transform ordinary tubes into engaging projects that spark creativity and develop basic crafting skills.

From colorful butterflies to homemade binoculars, each idea provides children with an opportunity to learn while enjoying hands-on fun.

I’ve seen how much joy these projects bring, and I know they can make a big difference in keeping kids engaged. Grab some empty rolls, a few supplies, and pick a project to start today.

Try one of these easy crafts and make learning and playtime more exciting for your child.

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Marcus Rivera, a former art educator turned workshop leader, has spent over a decade helping kids and families connect through crafts, theater, and music. He studied Fine Arts at the Rhode Island School of Design before teaching at community centers and later launching family art classes. Outside of his projects, Marcus enjoys experimenting with vegetarian cooking, cycling along coastal trails, and playing guitar during quiet evenings.

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